The Birth of a Community: George Emerson Bean

The modern history of Anna Maria Island begins with George Emerson Bean, who is widely recognized as the island’s first copyright. In the early 1890s, Bean, originally from Connecticut, established a homestead on the northern tip of the island. He and his family built a house and lived off fishing, gardening, and trade with the mainland.

Bean saw potential in Anna Maria not only as a homestead but as a future community. After his death in 1898, his son, George Wilhelm Bean, inherited the land and began to pursue development opportunities.

Development and the Role of Charles Roser

The true transformation of Anna Maria came in the early 20th century with the involvement of Charles Roser, a wealthy developer from Ohio. Roser, sometimes credited as the inventor or marketer of the Fig Newton cookie, partnered with George Wilhelm Bean to develop the island into a resort community.

In 1911, they platted the town of Anna Maria, laying out streets and lots. Roser invested in infrastructure, helping to build roads, a church, and most importantly, a pier that allowed boats to bring visitors and supplies directly to the island.

The Anna Maria City Pier, completed in 1911, became the centerpiece of the new community. It allowed steamboats from Tampa and St. Petersburg to dock, making the island accessible to tourists and potential residents. This development marked the beginning of Anna Maria’s identity as a resort destination. shutdown123